By Shannon Marketic
RED Magazine, September 2005

It takes Heather Hays almost 15 minutes to get through the front door of Taco Diner and back to the booth where I am waiting for our interview. She graciously chit-chats with everyone who stops her before winding her way back to me. She apologizes for being late, although she's actually 15 minutes early. (I guess conscientious celebrities build this into their schedules.)

I'm almost surprised that the hard-hitting journalist whom thousands of Dallasites tune into nightly is recognized today. Without her suit and "breaking news" demeanor, you might've mistaken her for a trendy model. Today the green-eyed beauty is wearing a simple T-shirt and jeans, very little makeup and hair tied back in a bouncy ponytail. She looks more like Miss Hawaii (which she was), than the famed journalist that she is. As she orders a burrito plate, fans pass by complimenting her on one of her latest stories.

Heather Hays has been with FOX4 for five years. She and co-anchor Steve Eager have been awarded the Edward R. Murrow Award, the Katie Award for Best Anchor Team and the RTNDA Award for Best Newscast at 9:00. But that's not what the Texas native traveled around the country wants to talk about.

Although highly esteemed in her field, Hays is equally passionate about her philanthropic endeavors. "One of the most inspiring events that I have been part of for the past three years is the Komen Foundation Race for the Cure coming up October 15th. FOX is going live once again before the 5k. It is really moving to meet survivors and to know that thousands are running for awareness and for those who did not survive breast cancer." Hays also co-chaired Dallas' Special Olympics 5k with Nolan Ryan this summer.

The lady with a contagious giggle and school-girl charm puts her chip full of salsa down, strangles more lemon into her water and takes a slow sip of her mojito. The conversation has clearly taken a different turn. With moist eyes, she clears her throat, "Late nights and early mornings. It was something I felt in my heart that I had to do."

Until now, most fans do not know that Hays' fiancé took his own life. Having read an early copy of Surviving Suicide: Help to Heal Your Heart, I expressed to her the book's power. It's not only for those who have been impacted by suicide, but also for anyone who has experienced loss: loss of a loved one, loss of health, loss of relationship, loss of a dream.

"Well, thanks," she says humbly, stabbing the salsa with her tortilla chip. "Every 40 seconds someone takes their life. I don't think people realize that suicide takes more lives than AIDS or homicide. My book has dozens of stories from people all over the world who have lost children, parents, friends and loves to suicide. I hope those stories will help people feel less empty and confused inside."

"It's an amazing tool for young people and will be available in the DISD," she says excitedly. When asked what it was that she wanted to do when she was in school, Hays throws her head back and laughs. "A lounge singer! Small problem--I can't sing! I sang for Simon from American Idol and he told me to keep my night job!"

Hays' reputation as a writer, producer and director has earned her several prestigious awards, but she also has many hobbies including gardening, cooking and, football. She will co-host FOX4's pre-game football season show for the fourth year and apparently has a knack for the game. So far she has "beat Mike Doocy and all the sports guys in the picks every year!"

Heather Hays can speak to all of the issues facing the environment. She can address local, domestic and world politics. She's rarely caught off-guard. But she's also the girl that you call when your car has been towed and you need a lift; when you want to spend the day lounging around, shopping and talking about boys; or when you're just sad and need a friend to come over and help you finish your deep crust pizza at midnight. Heather Hays has faced many challenges and obstacles, but at the end of the day, she's truly a Girl's Girl.